“The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.”
Psalms 19:7-8 NLT
All year long I have been writing these pastors corners with our values in mind. Our theme this year is living our values inside and out. Today I would like to talk with you about the value of unity.
Unity doesn’t mean we have to bend our preferences to fit a specific mold. The entire church would have to agree on a favorite preacher, worship style, or Bible translation — and that would take from now until eternity. Unity means that, despite differences of opinion and style, we can all come together at the foot of the cross. Followers of Jesus can approach every relationship with the attitude, “I may not agree with your specific preferences, but I can agree with you that Jesus is a great and the only Savior. Let’s work together to spread His good news.”
Just as the psalmist said at the end of the verse above, God instructed us the church in unity because of the importance of this value. I am reminded of Paul’s words to the Galatians where he said
“There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 3:28 NLT
The cross and Christ's Sacrifice is what does that, not our opinions. I leave you today with this brothers and sisters in Christ.
“How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!”
Psalms 133:1 NLT